Changing words and how we think about language is something I love to share.

I love to see what happens when we shift perspective through words and language.It’s so magical and freeing somehow.

Here’s a little recently made transition in my language, and it has improved my view of the world dramatically. Perhaps you’ll try it out just to see what happens? or maybe it’s just a good read? or maybe it will just rile you up? Whatever happens, here goes.

I have let go of the word hope.

Yes, you read this right.

I am releasing the word hope from vocabulary.

Deep down it feels like an illusion; a mask we use when we don’t know how to respond in a situation, or what to say.It’s not a shining light in the dark, or a beacon of light for me. Or even close to bringing a happy moment of surrender.For me this word has always represented sitting in a dark closet in which the light doesn’t work. Paralyzing.

It feels energetically empty. Unengaging. Inactive. Listless.

It’s such a bleak word, reminiscent of a Thomas Hardy novel, filled with unreachable expectations for a particular outcome to happen. Within these expectations, I have seen people become apathetic, unable to take action because they wish for something they perceive is beyond their reach. Leaving them powerless. Giving their power away.

There’s the key, disempowerment, giving away of power.

For the record, I’m a pretty optimistic person. Not bubbly, but happy and optimistic.I’ve got my own shit going down in my life, but I understand I have a choice, and I perceive my life, and all it, pretty good.

I’m definitely pragmatic, but also have ideals from my heart for the world, humanity, and a choice to take the small step, like a smile during trying moment, to promote positive change to acceptance and feeling good in this moment, in my amazing body, on this incredible planet. A word without energy doesn’t help.

So, the word hope is out. I have replaced it with “I trust that you _______, may you feel _______, may you have ________, may you be __________” instead.

May you try this simple exercise and see what happens.

Sat Nam

Lisa Kai is a licensed bodywork therapist in Chicago Illinois. She specializes in transformational bodywork including Lomi Lomi and Visionary Craniosacral. This blog contains her insights on bodywork and everyday tips for practicing Aloha for the body, mind, and spirit. Lisa also practices Aloha, is a nature loving tikiphile, digs jazz (well, all types of music really!), double dips her veggies, is an artist, and embraces change.